Array tomography: trails to discovery

Area of Science:

• Biological imaging
• Microscopy techniques
• Structural biology

Background:

• Tissue slicing is crucial for studying biological structures.
• Volume electron microscopy (vEM) methods like array tomography (AT) offer advanced 3D analysis.
• AT combines serial ultramicrotomy, section imaging, and data re-assembly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight advancements in array tomography (AT) for biological research.
• To address the underrepresentation of AT by detailing solutions and overcoming constraints.
• To guide researchers in selecting appropriate vEM techniques and exploring AT's potential.

Main Methods:

• Serial ultramicrotomy for ultrathin sectioning.
• Multi-modal imaging (light and scanning electron microscopy).
• Image re-assembly and analysis for 3D volume reconstruction.

Main Results:

• AT provides long-term sample preservation and multi-scale imaging compatibility.
• Serial sectioning enhances axial resolution and facilitates molecular labeling for correlative microscopy.
• New developments in sectioning and image analysis streamline the AT pipeline.

Conclusions:

• Array tomography offers significant advantages for multi-scale and multi-modal biological imaging.
• Overcoming perceived difficulties through new developments and training can increase AT adoption.
• AT has vast unexplored potential across diverse biological fields, aiding structural and molecular insights.